CBCP head to Filipinos: Accept verdict on Corona

MANILA, Philippines—A day after the Senate convicted Chief Justice Renato Corona, the head of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines encouraged a divided nation to accept the verdict and “think of the things” that would unite the country.

“I know the people are divided but we have to accept the verdict and I hope we think of the things that should unite us rather than things that would divide us,” said Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma through CBCPNews, the official news service of the Church hierarchy.

In an official statement issued later on Wednesday, Palma added: “During the impeachment process, we manifested our differences. We remain divided today. Can we transcend the division?…We pray that we all accept the verdict. We leave other matters to duly constituted legal entities.”

Palma also said that since the impeachment trial was over, it was time to move on.

The senior prelate said the government’s call for transparency should also mean taking the challenge of Corona, who submitted an unconditional waiver allowing the scrutiny of all his bank accounts.

Palma said President Aquino must instruct his officials to do the same. “If they did this to one person, then it is also appropriate for people who accused him to apply this transparency.”

If the impeachment had one “good effect,” it was the “call to renewal,” said the archbishop. “It’s time to tune up these mistakes of the past.”

Other members of the Church hierarchy also welcomed the Senate’s guilty verdict, describing it as “fair, evidence- and conscience-based.”

Malolos Bishop Jose Oliveros on Wednesday said the impeachment process showed that democracy was still working in the country. “I commend Senator Juan Ponce Enrile for his excellent performance as presiding officer,” he said.

The bishop also said that Corona’s example of waiving his right to confidentiality of his bank accounts must be emulated by all public officials.

“Truth and justice prevailed while love and compassion were added bonus…hope has dawned and democracy was strengthened,” Marbel Bishop Dinualdo Gutierrez told reporters.

Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco was also satisfied with the Senate’s decision. “I think they tried their best to make their judgment based on the arguments presented by both sides. They also used their conscience,” he said.

In appointing the next chief justice, Palma advised Aquino to heed and respect the suggestions of stakeholders and the Judicial Bar Council.

“After the impeachment trial, we are saying that we raised the bar of the judiciary. So, I think we know in our hearts what kind of person should be appointed,” said Palma.